Fall is a great time to visit the Ecomuseum Zoo. It’s not as busy as the summer and cooler weather makes walking through the outdoor facility more comfortable. Plus, you and the kids can still partake in regular programming such as feeding the bears, and educational seminars on wolves, birds of prey and other critters. If visiting over Labour Day, Thanksgiving or Halloween, all ages will enjoy special seasonal sessions on animals preparing for the winter and animal myths and legends. Some activities require reservations. Check the website for details.

What the guidebooks don’t tell you: The Ecomuseum zoo received a national award from the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums for its research and conservation efforts.

Kids’ comments: “We learned that ravens and crows are really smart. To crack a nut, they drop it onto the road and wait for a car to run over it. Then they (carefully!) swoop down and eat it.”

This year marks a special anniversary for the historic site: 350 years ago, the first of the king’s wards (all young girls) arrived here. It proved to be a pivotal moment in Quebec’s history because prior to their arrival, the male to female ratio was 13 to 1 – not a promising scenario for populating France’s new colony. Take a guided tour to learn all about the wards and see original tools such as the candy mould and the butter churn. Scheduled activities, such as the Harvest Festival on September 1st, take place every weekend throughout the fall. Consult the website for more information.

What the guidebooks don’t tell you: The Refectory serves the most delicious, stick-to-your-ribs lunch, perfect for taking the edge off the autumn chill. Enjoy a bowl of traditional New France soup with a slice of fresh homemade bread on the side, followed by a seasonal dessert for $18 (taxes/service included).

Beauty

These lip balms will make you forget dry, chapped lips

Beauty

These lip balms will make you forget dry, chapped lips

Cold temperatures and harsh winds can take a toll on your lips—and there is nothing sexy about a chapped mouth. The good news? Our favourite lip balms can help eliminate dry, sore and chapped lips. These affordable picks range from $4 to $32.

Baking & Desserts

Our best muffin recipes

Whip up a dozen moist muffins on a leisurely Sunday morning. Or better yet, set out the muffin recipe ingredients the night before and let the first person up bake a batch for everyone. Most of these muffin recipes can be made in advance and frozen.

Choose the best-quality bread. Never serve end slices. Freezing bread before cutting and then spreading makes for easier handling.

Bread should be lightly buttered no matter what the filling. Butter should be at room temperature before spreading. Sandwiches will not become limp and soggy as readily if you spread butter right to edge of bread.